Kaylan Rumbo on for Erin Barnett
Paul Podesta on for Ashley Perez
Tyron Oton on for Jamie Currer

United face Lions in the Battle of the Locals. The Oranges have seen a total squad overhaul over the summer months seeing a massive influx of local players as they ditched the vast majority of their non local contingent. Both clubs have had a mixed start to the season and United are seeking to add to Lions’ woes by winning their second match of the season after defeating Lynx last time out. Kaylan Rumbo, who left the pitch at half time with an injury in said match, drops to the bench and the suspended Brad Power returns to the first XI. Erin shifts to right back while Jamie Currer comes into midfield replacing Pishu Hernandez. Ashley, Erin and Aymen all line up against their former team.

In what is becoming a frustratingly common sight for United supporters Manolo Nuñez once again lined up with as many defenders as he possibly could in his 5-3-2 system. Aymen was once again in midfiled and Currer at right back after the unsuccessful deployment as left back of late. A sound tactic against a Lincoln or a Europa but fans are entitled to see their team go for a Lions team that was there for the taking after a slow start to the season. As it was the lack of attacking intent on the pitch meant the match was a turgid and boring affair with neither team creating much.

Referee, Mr Canepa, was guilty of several mistakes in his decision making something both teams suffered from. Indeed a stonewall penalty appeal by a push on Paul Podesta in the area was waved away from the referee. The reaction of the Lions defender said it all as he sheepishly looked mightly relieved the referee had let him off the hook. The referee however did it get it right in the match’s most controversial point. Lions forward Nathan Santos bore down on Chino in a rare second half forray for the Oranges, a clash for the ball resulted in Chino getting hit on the head. Santos then insulted the keeper who was rolling around the floor in pain. Chino subsequently kicked out at Santos while the latter decided to pick a fight with Bosio. After the dust had settled Mr Canepa was left with no choice but to send both Santos and Chino off with 10 minutes remaining. Young Tyron ‘Tiger’ Oton made his debut in rather difficult circumstances stepping into the shoes of his illustrious grandfather.

The match only brought one United shot on target from Mouehli which resulted in Barnfather pulling off a tremendous save and several corners none of which really casued much havoc. Lions has no attempts at goal and Chino was largely a spectator until thrust upon the centre of the stage in his sending off.

United were once again poor in attack and with so many defensive minded players on the pitch this is not entirely surprising. It left a very bad taste in the mouth to see such a unambitious appraoch to the match against a team that should have been beaten. Shout out to Jason Pusey who put in a Man of the Match peformance and at all times tried to push the team forward and attack.

We now break off for the Internationl break and wish the 8 players called up the very best of luck.